How to increase the resilience and flexibility of your team

Those who can adapt to change and not collapse under pressure have the highest chance of achieving long-term success. This holds true both on an individual and team level. How can you build resilience against changes and obstacles in your team, which you and your subordinates will inevitably encounter sooner or later? Here are a few tips.

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Educate yourself and your subordinates

Education, awareness and preparedness are, according to INSEAD Knowledge, key factors in coping with changes and challenges. Don't underestimate your own development or that of your employees, and you will be better prepared for a much wider range of situations.

Prepare procedures for crisis situations in advance

Fortune favours the prepared. Thus it is ideal if you, as a team, are able to prepare at least a general framework of procedures for handling potential crises. Don't wait to start planning until a crisis has already arrived.

Simplify communication

Changes and unexpected events can only be managed successfully if the team is capable of effective communication. Prepare for managing even non-standard situations by simplifying and clarifying communication within your team.

Give all employees at least partial input in decision-making

Rank-and-file employees often have many innovative ideas and insights into areas that managers may not fully see. Include these employees in team-level decision-making and listen carefully to their suggestions.

Diversify your activities

The best way to face crises and changes is not to put all your eggs in one basket. As a team, you should diversify your activities to some degree so that you are not dependent on a single type of work or a single client.



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Article source INSEAD Knowledge - INSEAD Business School knowledge portal
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